Parotid cancer

Posted by vstormy @vstormy, Feb 2, 2021

I am new at this so not sure how this all works. But, I would like to know if there are any clinical trials for Parotid cancer and if anyone has gone through this. My husband had a small nodule on his neck for awhile, doctors said it was nothing. This past May it developed to quarter size, he went to doctor and they did a cat scan which showed some questionable activity, in August they did a pet scan which showed parotid spread to colon and adrenal gland. He was given 2 doses of chemo, which did not work, then 20 doses of radiation to the site. I am really concerned at this point. Can anyone help me with this? I am a two time cancer survivor myself. So it has been a rough time:(

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 2, 2021

Hi @vstormy and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine that you are concerned and want to research all possible options for your husband. I'm bringing @denisebrown67 @tonyinmi @mrf and @sepdvm into this discussion as they can share their experience with parotid tumors.

Have you considered seeking a second opinion at a major cancer center?

tonyinmi | @tonyinmi | Feb 3, 2021

@vstormy I had a swollen parotid gland under my ear many years ago. I think it was about the size of a quarter. There was no biopsy or any other type of diagnostic. I was referred to an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor. He removed it in his office and sent the tissue for a lab for analysis. It came back benign. The only issue I've had since the gland was removed, is that when I eat, that side of my face will sweat. You probably should get another opinion from a different ENT. I'm no doctor, but for that to spread to the colon???? Sounds too strange.
Tony in Michigan

vstormy | @vstormy | Feb 3, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @vstormy and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine that you are concerned and..." + (show)

yes, I have and after numerous months they have not given me answers to my questions.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 3, 2021

In reply to @vstormy "yes, I have and after numerous months they have not given me answers to my questions." + (show)

@vstormy Hi,
I see that you are in Michigan, as I am. Have you considered a consultation at the University of Michigan? Research medical centers like the U of M or Mayo Clinic are usually very helpful in educating their patients as well as understanding and treating diagnoses..

I go there on a regular basis for some rare conditions and I see the difference between U of M and smaller local hospitals that do not have the research/educational resources of a learning institution.